Scab c. 1933 - 1934

Herman Volz created this striking print, using monochrome to explore weight, form, and texture. I can imagine Volz working on this, carefully etching lines to build up the contrasts between light and shadow. The composition feels surreal, almost dreamlike. What is that strange figure doing? Is it trapped or simply passing through? The rope and pulley add to the sense of tension, suggesting a struggle or a burden. Maybe Volz was thinking about the impact of industry on the human body. The artist’s choice of stark monochrome adds to the sense of unease. It’s a bold move but it really focuses your attention on the shapes and textures. Volz was likely influenced by German Expressionism. You can see this in the way he uses exaggeration and distortion to convey emotion. Ultimately, this image invites us to confront the uncomfortable aspects of modern life and to question the cost of progress.